Action Research

          Action research is a very important aspect in today's education. Through action research we can improve the learning environment for many students of many different grade levels. Everyone can participate in an action research project, including administrators, teachers, students, parents, and the whole community! It is helpful because it improves the professional development of administrators and teachers, which then improves the development of students. Administrators are ACTIVELY involved in action research projects and have ownership over the data collected and the results. There are eight steps to this action research process. These steps include:

          The first step in the in-depth action research process is Setting the Foundation. This chart shows the different steps needed to make a successful action research project. Administrators need to find an issue that effects the school, analyze the data collected, develop a deeper understanding of the issue and data, engage in self reflection, explore patterns, determine the direction they wish to take, take action in resolving the issue, and if there is improvement they need to sustain this improvement. The most important benefit of action research projects is the collaboration between colleagues. It is important to gain the insights of others and gain more knowledge from different points of views. Collaborating will give more ideas for resolving the issues at hand and then ultimately improving the students, teachers, and administrators.

          Having a better understanding of action research will help me to create an effective plan to improve myself, my students, and my school. My school needs to build a stronger relationship with parents and have more parent involvement. I will analyze the techniques we are using now, explore and research more effective techniques, and take action. Thanks to authors Sandra Harris and Nancy Dana, I have a better understanding of action research and will use the knowledge I have gained to create an effective action research project.

Resources:



Dana, N. F. (2009). Leading With Passion and Knowledge: The Principal as Action Researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Harris, S., Edmonson, S., & Combs, J. (2010). Examining What We Do To Improve Our Schools: 8 Steps From Analysis To Action. Larchmont, NY: Eye on Education.